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Traumatic Hand InjuriesTH-CORENCT07026747

Effects of Core Stabilization on Hand Trauma Outcomes

A study testing Standard Hand Rehabilitation Only, Supervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation and Unsupervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation in people with Traumatic Hand Injuries, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Hand injuries carry a high risk due to the constant demands for use and their complex functionality. These injuries often occur as a result of various incidents, including household accidents, occupational hazards, traffic collisions, and sports activities, and they are particularly common among male workers. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 20 to 50 years, men only
Conditions the study is for
Traumatic Hand Injuries
What is being tested?
Standard Hand Rehabilitation Only, Supervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation and Unsupervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
51 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
11 Dec 2025to 26 Dec 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 20 to 50 years
  • Men only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Having been diagnosed with a traumatic hand injury
  • Having received surgical treatment appropriate to the type of injury
  • Being a male individual between 20 and 50 years of age
  • Having a moderate, severe, or major score according to the Modified Hand Injury Severity Score (MHISS)

Who cannot join

  • Having a chronic illness such as neurological, rheumatological, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or cardiovascular diseases
  • Presence of infection

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Istinye University Bahcesehir Liv Hospital

    Istanbul

    Istinye University Bahcesehir Liv Hospital, +90 212 979 40 00, info@livhospital.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises on Functional and Emotional Status in Traumatic Hand Injuries

Hand injuries carry a high risk due to the constant demands for use and their complex functionality. These injuries often occur as a result of various incidents, including household accidents, occupational hazards, traffic collisions, and sports activities, and they are particularly common among male workers. The severity of hand injuries varies widely, ranging from simple soft tissue damage to serious tendon and nerve lacerations, as well as fractures. The extent of the injury can significantly affect the recovery process and the likelihood of patients regaining their previous functional abilities.There is a strong connection between hand injuries and their impact on both emotional status and functional capacity. Changes in the hand's appearance and restrictions in daily activities can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and psychological stress. In particular, concerns about returning to work can further exacerbate psychological distress in workers. Core stabilization plays a crucial role in alleviating these negative effects. The core region not only ensures overall body stability but also directly influences hand function. Strengthening and stabilizing the core muscles enhance proper body movement, thereby improving upper extremity efficiency. This physical improvement also contributes to psychological recovery, as the ability to perform daily activities more comfortably enhances self-confidence and overall quality of life. Therefore, core exercises do not only improve functional outcomes but also support psychological well-being.

This study will include 51 male patients diagnosed with traumatic hand injuries who meet the inclusion criteria. Assessments will be conducted on joint range of motion, grip strength, joint position sense, reaction time, hand function, activity and participation levels, quality of life, anxiety and depression scales, galvanic skin response, patient satisfaction, and core stability. These evaluations will be performed at two different time points: before rehabilitation and at the end of a six-week rehabilitation program. The study consists of three groups. The first group will participate solely in a standard hand rehabilitation program. The second group will perform supervised core stabilization exercises three times per week in addition to the standard hand rehabilitation program. In the third group, core stabilization exercises will be performed without the supervision of a physiotherapist, with patients following pre-recorded instructional videos alongside the standard rehabilitation program. For all groups, the hand rehabilitation program will take place five days a week for the first three weeks and three days a week for the following three weeks. Patients in the two groups performing core stabilization exercises will be trained in how to activate the transversus abdominis muscle and coordinate their breathing before starting the exercises. The exercises, including warm-up and cool-down phases, will be performed for ten repetitions per session, with each session lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Additionally, patients will be assigned home exercises from the standard physiotherapy program, and adherence to these exercises will be monitored through checklists.

Although the biomechanical relationship between core muscles and hand function has been explained in the literature, no rehabilitation program incorporating core stabilization exercises for hand injuries has been identified. Moreover, no studies have objectively assessed emotional changes following traumatic hand injuries. This study aims to make a significant contribution to the literature by examining the effects of core stabilization on hand function and emotional well-being.

Being tested
Standard Hand Rehabilitation Only, Supervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation, Unsupervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation
Keywords
hand injuries, core stabilization exercise, function, emotion
Medical subject headings
Hand Injuries

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Standard Hand Rehabilitation OnlyBehavioural

    Standard Hand Rehabilitation Program will be delivered over a total duration of six weeks. During the first three weeks, the program will be administered five days per week, and during the following three weeks, it will be performed three days per week. The rehabilitation program will include scar tissue massage, passive and active range of motion exercises for the fingers and wrist, sensory re-education, and edema control using retrograde massage and Coban wrapping. Joint mobilization techniques will be applied to the finger and wrist joints, along with tendon gliding and tendon blocking exercises. Strengthening and stretching exercises targeting the hand and wrist muscles will be progressively introduced throughout the program. Functional training and moderate-level activities will be included as tolerated, particularly in the later stages of the program. The intervention will be structured to gradually increase in intensity and complexity across three phases, each lasting two weeks.

  • Supervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand RehabilitationBehavioural

    The second group will receive the same six-week Standard Hand Rehabilitation Program as the control group (5 days per week for the first 3 weeks, and 3 days per week for the last 3 weeks). In addition, participants will perform a Supervised Core Stabilization Exercise Program three times per week for six weeks under a physiotherapist's supervision.The exercises will focus on activating the transversus abdominis and coordinating breathing to improve core stability.Each session will include a warm-up, main core exercises, and a cool-down.In weeks 0-2, the program will include diaphragmatic breathing, transversus abdominis activation, curl-ups, and bridging. In weeks 2-4, it will progress to cross arm-leg extensions, side planks, the "hundred" exercise, and single-leg bridging. In weeks 4-6, Swiss ball exercises will be introduced, including weight shifting forward and backward, hip flexion, bridging, and contralateral arm.The program will advance in intensity across three phases.

  • Unsupervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand RehabilitationBehavioural

    he third group will receive the same six-week Standard Hand Rehabilitation Program as the control group (5 days/week for 3 weeks, then 3 days/week for 3 weeks). They will also do an Unsupervised Core Stabilization Exercise Program three times a week for six weeks in the same clinic. Exercises will be the same as the supervised group but done alone using videos without a physiotherapist. The exercises will focus on activating the transversus abdominis and coordinating breathing to improve core stability. Each session includes warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down. In weeks 0-2, exercises include diaphragmatic breathing, transversus activation, curl-ups, and bridging. Weeks 2-4 add cross arm-leg extensions, side planks, the "hundred," and single-leg bridging.Weeks 4-6 introduce Swiss ball exercises, including weight shifting forward and backward, hip flexion, bridging, and contralateral arm lifts. The program will advance in intensity across three phases.

Study groups in NCT07026747
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Standard Hand Rehabilitation OnlyActive comparatorThis control group will receive the standard hand rehabilitation program.
Receives: Behavioral: Standard Hand Rehabilitation Only
Supervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand RehabilitationExperimentalThis group will perform core exercises supervised by a physiotherapist in addition to the standard hand rehabilitation program.
Receives: Behavioral: Supervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation
Unsupervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand RehabilitationExperimentalThis group will perform the same core exercises as the second group by watching videos in the same clinical setting.
Receives: Behavioral: Unsupervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Hand Function Assessment (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  2. Emotional State Assessment (Galvanic Skin Response Device)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  3. Core Stability Assessment (Stabilizer Biofeedback Device)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Range of Motion Assessment (Goniometer)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  2. Proprioception Assessment (Wrist Joint Position Sense Assessment with Goniometer)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  3. Reaction Time Assessment (Nelson Reaction Time Test)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  4. Activity and Participation Level Assessment (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand - DASH Questionnaire)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  5. Severity Evaluation of Hand Injuries (Modified Hand Injury Severity Score)

    Measured: Baseline (prior to surgery)

  6. Quality of Life Assessment (SF-36)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  7. Anxiety Assessment (Beck Anxiety Inventory)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  8. Depression Assessment (Beck Depression Inventory )

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  9. Patient Satisfaction Assessment (Likert Scale)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

  10. Gross / Fine Grip Strength Assessment (Dynamometer / Pinch meter)

    Measured: Before treatment, week 6

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 Jun 2025
  2. Study start11 Dec 2025
  3. Primary completion25 Oct 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion26 Dec 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This randomized controlled trial includes three parallel groups designed to compare the effects of: standard hand rehabilitation alone, standard hand rehabilitation combined with supervised core stabilization exercises, and standard hand rehabilitation combined with unsupervised core stabilization exercises delivered via pre-recorded video.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
51 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07026747
Sponsor's protocol ID
IstinyeUni-B.UYANIK.001
Acronym
TH-CORE
Status last verified
May 2025
First submitted
10 Jun 2025
Last updated
11 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The study will share de-identified, summary-level outcome data, including group-level means, standard deviations, effect sizes, and p-values derived from statistical analyses. These data will be provided to support transparency and allow for interpretation of the study findings.

Publications

  • Abd-Elfattah HM, Aly SM. Effect of Core Stability Exercises on Hand Functions in Children With Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy. Ann Rehabil Med. 2021 Feb;45(1):71-78. doi: 10.5535/arm.20124. Epub 2021 Feb 9.

    PubMed 33557483
  • Ayhan C, Unal E, Yakut Y. Core stabilisation reduces compensatory movement patterns in patients with injury to the arm: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2014 Jan;28(1):36-47. doi: 10.1177/0269215513492443. Epub 2013 Jul 3.

    PubMed 23823711

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Standard Hand Rehabilitation Only, Supervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation and Unsupervised Core Stabilization + Standard Hand Rehabilitation in people with Traumatic Hand Injuries, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Baran UYANIK, MSc (+90 05335017926, ptbaranbayram@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Hand Function Assessment (Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test) (time frame: Before treatment, week 6). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07026747, which also lists 2 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Feb 2026.

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